Novita Anggraini Listyaning Sumardiyani Faiza Hawa

Home , Final Masquerade, New Divide, Rob Bourdon

Volume 8, No. 2, August 2017 Novita Anggraini Listyaning Sumardiyani Faiza Hawa

Metaphorical Symbols Used in Linkin Park’s Song Lyrics and its Contribution to Teaching Poetry

Novita Anggraini, Listyaning Sumardiyani, Faiza Hawa Faculty of Language and Arts, University of PGRI Semarang

Abstract

The objectives of this study are: 1) to find out the meaning of metaphorical symbols in Linkin Park’s song lyrics; 2) to find out the contribution of Linkin Park’s song lyrics to teaching poetry. In this study, the writer applies the descriptive qualitative approach in this study to analyze implicit meaning of metaphorical symbols used in Linkin Park’s song lyrics. Besides that, the writer wants to describe its contribution to teaching poetry. The finding show that the writer found 38 metaphorical symbols in the five Linkin Park’s song lyric. It consists of 4 symbols in the Numb, 14 symbols in Hands Held High, 5 symbols in What I’ve done, 5 symbols in New Divide, 10 symbols in Final Masquerade. Through using those song lyrics, the students can learn the figurative languages which can be found in those song lyrics, especially metaphorical symbols. The students can understand the meaning of the metaphorical symbols which can enrich their vocabulary through learn the examples of implicit meaning analysis in this study. So they are able to choose and combine the appropriate dictions. Finally, they will be able to create a good poetry which has deep and beautiful meaning. The writer suggests that the teachers should use an appropriate and interesting learning source in teaching writing and appreciating poetry. Song lyrics in Linkin Park consist of a lot of words, phrases, and sentences with the figurative language, especially metaphorical symbols which has implicit and deep meaning. Through delivering those songs lyrics, the students will get the inspiration and motivation in writing and appreciating poetry.

Keywords: Metaphorical Symbol, Lyric, Poetry

INTRODUCTION work. According to Risdianto in his book entitled Introduction to Literature Everybody needs an entertainment (2010:5), literature is a sense of in their lives. Without entertainment, entertaining display and provides pleasure people are under pressure after doing their in addition to the element of ‘truth’ daily activities along the day. One thing involved. Unfortunately, many people are that most people enjoy is enjoying literary bored to read novels, watch the drama,

even enjoying a poem. But in fact, most thought and sense. It is supported by the people like listening to the song. Song can statement from Zbikowski in his journal be enjoyed by a lot of people without entitled Metaphor and music theory: regarding their gender, educational Reflections from cognitive science (2009: background, age even their country. 85), metaphor is regarded as simply one of People are not only enjoying song, but also number of rhetorical figures to be used in creating remarkable song with beautiful the service of argument, persuasion, lyrics and music. illumination, and entertainment. Metaphor Song can be categorized as in the song lyric is the songwriter’s literature because it has similiarities with emotion to express something touches one of literature genres, that is a poem. his/her heart and thought which he or she There are some similarities between a song experienced in real daily life. and a poem. Either song or poem consists Therefore, to analyze the of verses and stanzas united to be a lyric. metaphorical symbols in literary works, Usually, the songwriters express their people can use semiotic study. According ideas, thoughts, and feeling through song to Morentin (2010: 15), semiotic is the lyrics that he or she made. Besides that, cognitive ability that humanity have for the song also has rhythmic and so does a production of sign of all kinds: iconic, poem. Rhythm is one of the important indexical, and symbolic, to give with them elements in both songs and poem. In fact, ontological existence to its humanness. there is even a form of poem which is Basically, semiotic study is how to learn made into music called a poem lyric. the human signify the things. In this case, Rhytm can make the song and poem more signify can not be mixed with beautiful to be enjoyed. communicate. The meaning of signify is In creating song, the songwriters all objects are not only carry information, usually deliver the meaning to other. The but also the has structured system of signs. meaning can be communicated to people Semiotic can be explained as the through signs or symbols in song lyrics. knowledge or theory about how the human Songwriters usually use metaphorical learn the meaning of sign around them. symbols in their songs to create more The sign around the human is anything beautiful and nicer song’s lyrics, and help that can be represented by the experiences, the listeners to understand the meaning of thoughts, ideas, or emotions. Therefore, the song deeply. Metaphorical symbols can semiotic study is used to reveal the communicate the things that the songwriter implicit meaning in the sign.

Mastering knowledge about meaning, such as racism, poverty, social, implicit meaning of sign and symbols is romance, children, and environment. needed by the teacher to teaching poetry to Metaphorical symbols make the their students. It is aimed to touch song has beautiful words, deep meaning, students’heart through creating beautiful nice to listen, touch the listeners’ heart. So, language which has deep meaning. In fact, the writer is interested to explore the teaching writing poem is not an easy job. connotative meaning of metaphorical The teachers have to understand the symbols in the song lyrics of Linkin Park. metaphorical symbols and collect a lot of Teaching poetry to the students is vocabularies which can build the poem aimed to touch the heart of students with more beautiful to be enjoyed. Through more intensity and immediacy that some of learning this study, hopefully the teacher poem counterparts. The topics of poetry and the students have a reference to create such as, identity, discovery, family the good poem which has implicit relationship, survival, change, morality, meanings to create the amazing effect to hope, and dream are primary interest the the readers. students in searching the self-awarness in Nowadays, there are so many good an uncertain world. songs with beautiful lyrics by a lot of The questions focused on this study singers or bands. One of them is Linkin are: Park. Linkin Park (LP) is one of the 1. What are the meaning of metaphorical greatest rock bands in the world. There are symbols used in the Linkin Park’s song many good songs released by LP and lyrics? success in the world market. In this study, 2. What is the contribution of Linkin the writer used the hits songs from Linkin Park’s song lyrics in teaching poetry? Park, such as; Numb, Hand Held High, What I’ve done, New Divide, and Final REVIEW OF RELATED THEORIES masquerade (Taken from www.imdb.com, The writer found journals which accesed on 11/04/2016). have relationship with the topic of the Linkin Park band is the best rock research. First, the writer used journal band all the time in rock music industry. from Heimlich (2008:1) entitled “The Almost 30 million copies spread around Metaphoric Use of Song Lyrics as the world. Lyrical themes in this album Paraverbal Communication”. The result told the listener about any aspect of human shows that song lyrics used metaphorically life through beautiful that gas deep are particularly helpful as a medium for

communication with childern who do not literary works that express the thoughts, respond adequately to traditional treatment emotion, and feelings of the writer and it is approaches. Next, the writer uses journal composed in beautiful language which from Shorta (2000:1) entitled “Metaphor have implicit meanings to create the in Nightwish`S Dark Passion Play amazing effect to the readers. Album”. The findings of the study show Lyric that there are 83 occurrences of eight types Lyric is a set of words that make up of metaphor. They are active metaphor (8), a song. The word lyric came to be used for inactive metaphor (3), subjective metaphor the words of a song. The writer of lyrics is (3), mimetic metaphor (17), a lyricist or lyrist. Language found in the phenomenalistic metaphor (4), precision lyrics is not much different from the metaphor (7), symbolism metaphor (18), language in poetry. and approximate metaphor (23). General Concept of Semiotic Study Poetry The concept semiotics is derived Poetry is categorized as one of from Greek word semion, which means a literature genres means the written or sign. Semiotic is therefore concerned with verbal language that is structured everything that can be taken as rhythmically and is meant to tell a story, or significantly substituting for something express any kind of emotion, feeling, and else, such as experiences, thoughts, ideas, idea to the readers. or emotions. Next, Ollila and Jantas (2006:1) states that: poetry is any kind of verbal or Metaphorical Symbols in Semiotic written language that is structured Study rhythmically and is meant to tell a story, or Based on Fadaee (2010:21), the express any kind of emotion, idea, or state word metaphor etymologically comes of being. The word poetry in etymologist from Greek metaphora which means to term derived from the Greek word poesis carry over or transfer from place to another which means establishing, forming, place or other region. Metaphor is used to making, or creating. Poetry is one of the express the meaning that based on the literary works that its words are arranged similarities and comparison. In literary according to certain conditions with the work, the metaphor is used to convey the use of rhythm, rhyme and sometimes uses implicit meaning. So, metaphor delivers metaphorical words. Poetry is a form of

the indirect or hidden meaning to the Mike Shinoda, Rob Bourdon, and Brad readers. Delson. There are some best album which Implicit Meaning are released by Linkin Park. Based on the The metaphor or commonly called magazine Rolling Stone written by Steve as icon in the literary works will raise the Vai (2002:16) Linkin Park released Hybrid interpretation in somebody’s mind both in Theory on October 24, 2002. The album, connotative and denotative meaning. which represented half a decade's worth of Bouzida (2014: 1) states that semiotics; the band's work, was edited by Don also called semiology was first used by the Gilmore. Hybrid Theory was a massive Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure in commercial success; it sold more than the early twentieth century. As semiology 4.8 million copies during its debut year, is concerned with the general properties of earning it the status of best-selling album sign language and other signal forms, it of 2002, while singles such as "Crawling" would be obvious to say that semiotics is and "One Step Closer" established the science of signs that allowed the themselves as staples among alternative proliferation of a number of perspectives rock radio play lists during the year. and paved the way to other cultural phenomena that raised the study of signs Teaching Poetry to the Students of the through its denotative and connotative Objectives meanings. Teaching literature is not easy as you have to study and understand the Linkin Park Biography writer's viewpoints and styles in his or her Linkin Park is the most popular literary works. It is also not right if you are metal band around the world. They have just going to read a literary piece in front sold over 3 million albums since the of your class. This method seems so boring release of their stunning debut 'Hybrid and very traditional. Students may not like Theory', which is still in the billboard top the way you teach. The teachers will know 20 almost a year after its release. this if they keep yawning. This indicates According to Graham (2002:1) in the book that the teachers are not keeping the class entitled Linkin Park: The Unauthorized alive and alert. Biography in Words and Pictures (Book Series) Paperback states that Linkin Park was founded by three high school friends: RESEARCH METHOD

There are many kinds of research What I’ve done, New Divide, and Final design, and one of them is a descriptive masquerade research. This study conducts a descriptive The method to collect the data is research with qualitative analysis. That applied in this study. The writer used means to give the description of a following steps to collect the data: phenomenon systematically, factually and 1. The writer searched the material in accurately. According to Cohen (2007: internet. The writer chose 10 songs then 462), qualitative approach is the research limited them into 5 songs. In this case, that was done for the purpose of the song lyrics were copied from understanding social phenomena, social http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/linkinpar being used in a broad sense. k-lyrics/. (Accesed on 11/04/2016) Every study needs an object to be 2. The writer read the song lyrics carefully analyzed. This study concerned with to get the understanding with the observing the meaning of metaphorical meaning of the lyrics. symbols used in the Linkin Park’s song 3. The writer collected some references lyrics. Besides that, the writer explained that related to the study to support this the contribution of this analysis in teaching analysis. The writer used the library poetry. facilities and internet to collect some Source of the data is the research books and articles. subject where the data is obtained. The 4. The writer classified the lyrics into writer uses the songs lyrics of Linkin Park sentences to find the metaphor in each to be analyzed implicit meaning of of the sentence. metaphorical symbols. Besides the lyrics 5. The writer analyzed Linkin Park’s song itself, the writer also obtained the data lyrics to find out the implicit meaning from some books and articles which are of metaphorical symbols. related to the topic discussed. Those 6. The writer described the contribution of written source of the data give the writer Linkin Park’s song lyrics in teaching information about literature poetry. comprehensively to be combined with the In literary research, the analysis analysis of songs lyrics by Linkin Park to was started from the beginning time when make this study understand easily. There the data collection was collected. After are five song lyrics that the writer obtaining the data, the writer attempted to analyzes, such as Numb, Hand Held High, analyze them by interpreting them through extensive explanations and details which

are referred to as descriptions. The are: ‘turn my mic up louder’ which has analysis is done by giving the depth a meaning the people’s protest about description of implicit meaning of the war; “the syllables get pumping” metaphorical symbols used in song lyrics means there are a lot of words which by Linkin Park. From the descriptions, the are gathered to picture the protest about writer drew the conclusions of the war; “let the sun in” which has a analysis. There, the writer only analyzed meaning the demand to the government the metaphor in narrow sense. The writer to save or cure the war victims; “sick” analyzed the meaning of metaphorical has implicit meaning he felt bored and symbols that related with the theme of the annoy; “ brand” has implicit meaning song. as there are different reasons why war happened; “fuckers” has implicit meaning that there are people who get FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION the advantage from the war; rest of the 1. The Meaning of Metaphorical world” has implicit meaning the people Symbols Used in The Linkin Park’s around the world are worried about the Song Lyrics war which destroyed everything; ‘the The writer found 38 metaphorical world is cold’ which has a meaning the symbols in the five Linkin Park’s song mess situation because of war; “brush lyrics. From the song entitled Numb, the the dust” has implicit meaning as the writer found 4 metaphorical symbols. soldiers’ brutality in the war; “a broken Those are: “under the surface” which spine” has implicit meaning as the scare has a meaning the upset feeling in a memories; “quote” has implicit certain condition; “walking in your meaning as the hope. ‘hands held high shoes” which has a meaning the feeling into a sky’ which has a meaning the of under pressure by being pushed to voice of freedom; The word “ocean” always follow the orders; “smothering has implicit meaning as the people’s me” which has a meaning torturing or anger toward the government because annoying: and “you were just like me” of war; “The drum” is a symbol for the which has a meaning does not judge way of songwriter to say or show harshly. people how bad this war really is and In the second song which is how the leaders just keep getting what entitled Hands Held High, the writer they want without any regard for the finds 14 metaphorical symbols. They people they lead.

The third song entitled What I’ve metaphorical symbols has implicit done can be found 5 metaphorical meaning denying the promise; symbols, they are: “farewell” has masquerade” has implicit meaning as implicit meaning about trying to move the mask; “secret” has implicit meaning on; “the truth of a thousand lies” has as the promise; word “see” has implicit implicit meaning that there are so much meaning as the acceptation; “left lies which happen; “mercy” has implicit behind” has implicit meaning as the meaning as the God’s help and gift; and memories. “slate” has implicit meaning the songwriter’s sins; “pain” has implicit 2. The Contribution of The Linkin meaning as the trials and challenges. Park’s Song Lyrics to Teaching The fourth song entitled “New Poetry. Divide” can be found 5 metaphorical The writer explains the symbols, such as: “black sky” has contribution of Linkin Park’s song implicit meaning as the terrible lyrics is in teaching poetry. It can be condition; “lightening” has implicit described as follows: meaning as the trouble; “wash” means a. The contribution in writing poetry the songwriter wants to be cleaned and The students need a media be forgiven; “deserve” has implicit which can inspire and teach how to meaning as regretting something; and create a beautiful poetry. The song “hole” means the space or the range in lyrics such as Numb, Hand Held the relationship. High, What I’ve done, New Divide, The last song entitled “Final and Final masquerade of Linkin Masquerade” can be found 10 Park can be the learning sources metaphorical symbols, such as: “words” which can be used by the teachers in has implicit meaning that he said good delivering the literature subject, bye; “tomorrow” has implicit meaning especially in teaching poetry. as the future; “something” has implicit Through delivering those song meaning as the peace in the lyrics, the students can learn the relationship; “light on the horizon” has meaning of the metaphorical implicit meaning as the mercy; symbols which can enrich their “shadows floating over” has implicit vocabulary through learn the meaning that everything was going examples of implicit meaning smoothly; “slipped away” as analysis in this study. So they are

able to choose and combine the song is under pressure. He had to fulfill appropriate dictions. As the result, someone’s desire and demand. From this they will be able to create a good situation, he felt bored, angry, sorrow, and poetry which has deep and beautiful faithless because he is pushed to obey. meaning which they want to convey The metaphor in Hand Held High to the reader. conveyed the protest and satire to the b. Contribution in appreciating poetry. government’s decisions. The symbol dark In teaching appreciating poetry, in phrase “Sick of the dark ways” shows the teacher can ask the students for how bad this war really is and how the listen to the songs in Linkin Park’s leaders just keep getting what they want song lyrics. When they are listening without any regard for the people they to the songs, the students read the lead. Hand Held High conveyed the song lyrics to get the understanding protest to the government through the of the meaning and moral values metaphorical symbols in song lyric. which conveyed in the songs. What I've Done tells about trying to The songs in the Linkin Park’s move on and become something better song lyrics contain a lot of moral than you were the day before. The values which can be taught to the metaphorical symbols in this song lyric students. Through learning and drew his regret and forgiveness in past knowing the moral values in the time in this song because the theme of the songs, the students will be interested song is regretting. This song is about and have the motivation and desire facing the mistakes and demons from the in learning poetry. past and accepting them without condemning ourselves. CONCLUSION New Divide song lyrics can be Based on the research findings interpreted as the journey of someone who above, the first song lyric entitled Numb discovers his new life after the dark in the was dominated by the sorrowful feeling. past. In this song, the songwriter wants to For example “faithless” in the 2nd verse be cleaned or be forgiven all his mistakes indicated that he felt depression. The because the theme of the song is the new writer analyzed “faithless” indicated that life. He knew and realized that he had he felt depression because this song lyrics ever made a lot of mistake that hurt the told someone who felt very stress living in one he loved. under pressure because the theme of the

The phrase Final Masquerade In teaching appreciation poetry, the indicates that there is a veil that separates teacher can ask the students for listen to the two parties from connecting the songs of the Linkin Park. When they emotionally. Thus, the relationship ends up are listening to the songs, the students read looking more like a farce than a legitimate the song lyrics to get the understanding of one. It also explains how people become the meaning and moral values which so firm in their beliefs and think they are conveyed in the songs. The songs of the right because the theme of the song is the Linkin Park contain a lot of moral values last disguise. As a result they end up being which can be taught to the students. By stubborn. This leads to the demise of any learning and knowing the moral values in bonds between them. the songs, the students will be interested In the research findings above, the and have the motivation in learning poetry. writer presented contribution of Linkin Park’s song lyrics to teaching poetry. There are two ways in teaching poetry to the students, namely; teaching writing or theory poetry and teaching appreciate poetry. The song lyrics such Numb, Hand Held High, What I’ve done, New Divide, and Final Masquerade as the learning sources which can be used by the teachers in teaching poetry. By using those song lyrics, the students can learn the metaphorical symbols which can be found in those song lyrics, especially metaphorical symbols. The students can understand the meaning of the metaphorical symbols which can enrich their vocabulary through learn the examples of implicit meaning analysis in this study. So they are able to choose and combine the appropriate dictions. Finally, they will be able to create a good poetry which has deep and beautiful words.

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